Extra-judicial Killing: Court Sentences Police Sergeant To Death

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced a Police Sergeant Jilla Lannubo to death by hanging for the extra-judicial killing of Oruyegha Grand at Agudama on May 13, 2017.

Lannubo, a native of Bokos community, in Bokos Local Government Area of Plateau State was attached to Mopol 30, Bayelsa Command and was deployed to Akenfa Police station for patrol duties before the incident.

The State Special Prosecutor, Arthur Andrew Seweniowor, had charged him to court for murder which is contrary to section 247(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap c14 Laws of Bayelsa state 2006.

Lannubo, who admitted shooting Grand, however, said he did so in line with his duty as a Policeman as the shot was to frighten the deceased as he was trying to escape from arrest.

The prosecution had called 15 witnesses including the deceased wife and brother to prove its case that Lannubo shot Grand without any provocation on the fateful date.

Seweniowor had argued that the three essential ingredients that prosecution must establish to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt had been established in the case.

He said “Unpleasant as it may seem that this Honourable Court may come to the finding that the prosecution has proved this case beyond reasonable doubt and impose the ultimate and single sentence of death. Arriving at this decision is not based on any sentiment but on law.

“My Lord, the prosecution had placed before the Court sufficient facts to sustain a conviction and as a Court of Law, I urge with respect that judgment of guilty be entered in favour of the prosecution.”

Justice Ineikade Eradiri, in his judgment, concurred with the argument of the prosecution that it has established beyond reasonable doubt the case of murder against Lannubo and therefore sentenced him to death by hanging.